Philippe Montanier: 'Asier Illarramendi is Xabi Alonso's heir'

Rennes boss Philippe Montanier has claimed that former Real Sociedad star Asier Illaramendi is ready to step up and fill Xabi Alonso's boots.

The 23-year-old joined Real Madrid earlier in the summer for £32.8m and admitted that Alonso had a big part in his decision to move.

"Yes, he's definitely ready," Montanier told AS. "He has many strengths. He has enough quality to move the ball forward and link up with other players.

"Xabi is a reference point for Basque players and I feel that he can help [Illarramendi] to grow and develop too. They can definitely play together. Xabi and Asier are both great players.

"He (Illarramendi) is also very modest. The ideal player for any coach because he's a nice guy, but on the pitch he gives it everything."

Illarramendi starred as Spain Under-21s won the European Championships this summer.